Looking back on our travels and adventures, our journey to Ireland with family last fall was a standout. Creating great memories with people you love always ups the ante on an experience, but our time in Ireland was truly something magical. The weather worked in our favor, and the landscapes were some of the most stunning we’d ever seen. The pub culture kept us out into the evenings, sipping cider and local beer while we listed to trad music. The architecture and layered histories kept us fueled during the day to understand more and travel deeper. And how can I forget the people? As nearly all visitors to the Emerald Isle will attest, the people really do help make the journey remarkable; there’s a warmth and welcoming quality that’s simply hard to beat.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing some of my favorite memories and snapshots from Ireland.

Exploring Temple Bar during our time in Dublin.Being enamored with the library at Trinity College. Have I been transported to Beauty and the Beast?!Whisky tasting with the family at the Jameson Distillery.Beginning our road trip at Cahir Castle, where parts of Braveheart were filled. One of the best parts? The photo shoot afterwards and attempted jump shot!

Dinner at Dromoland Castle, where my mom told me she felt ‘like a princess’.Horseback riding in Killarney National Park – incredible.A family photo shoot in Killarney National Park – this was snapped at Ross Castle!

The journey to Skellig Michael and hike to the secluded monastery at the top.Exploring the town of Dingle.…and the stunning landscapes during our drive along the Dingle Peninsula!A pit stop at Adare Manor.Exploring ancient stone forts along the drive.Journeying around the Ring of Beara.Exploring fields and abandoned castles.Being alone with the world and the ruins of Dunboy Castle – so gorgeous.Cycling in Killarney National Park.Taking a boat ride on Loch Leane, the Lake of Learning.Arriving at Innisfallen Island, one of the coolest little places, and having a picnic lunch near a 12c. monastery.

Reminiscing on this is awe-inspiring. How we accomplished so much in less than 10 days is pretty incredible, and I wouldn’t have traded our destination choice for anything. Ireland was perfection!

Shannon Kircher is the founder and editor of The Wanderlust Effect, formerly The Traveling Scholar. Founded in 2009, she has continued to document her international escapes as an expat in Europe and the Caribbean. She is a former resident of London and San Francisco and now calls the island of Anguilla home. In addition to The Wanderlust Effect, Shannon is the Director of Marketing for the Frangipani Beach Resort and is on the Board of Directors of the Omololu International School in Anguilla.

Related Posts

About Me

Shannon Kircher

Welcome and thank you for joining along for my adventures. I began documenting my travels in 2009 on my former site, The Traveling Scholar, and six years later transitioned my globetrotting experiences here as I continue to juggle traveling the world with enjoying a full-time career in hospitality on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. I hope you find inspiration, information and insight in my corner of the world. My name is Shannon and this is my never-ending journey.